What is the difference between 'female friend' and 'girlfriend'? Does 'girlfriend' have any negative connotation?
The word "girlfriend" implies someone a boy or man is dating -- a sweetheart. It can be used negatively, if someone wants to insult another male, but usually it has a positive connotation to it.
It can also mean a female friend, but not usually in our society today!
http://www.answers.com/girlfriend
female friend is referring tojust a "friend" that is a girl. Girlfriend is usually referred to a girl or woman with whom somebody has a romantic or sexual relationship
The terms 'female friend' and 'girlfriend' refer to two different types of relationships.
1. Female Friend: A female friend is someone who you have a platonic or non-romantic relationship with. They are someone you enjoy spending time with, share common interests, and trust, but there is no romantic or intimate relationship involved.
2. Girlfriend: A girlfriend, on the other hand, refers to a romantic or intimate partner who you are personally and emotionally involved with. It typically implies a deeper level of commitment, affection, exclusivity, and often a romantic or sexual aspect to the relationship.
So, the key difference is that a 'female friend' is a friend who happens to be female, while a 'girlfriend' is a romantic partner.
As for the potential negative connotations of the term 'girlfriend,' it depends on the context and the way it is used. In general, 'girlfriend' does not carry a negative connotation, as it is a common term used to describe a romantic partner. However, in some cases, it could be used in a derogatory or dismissive way, potentially objectifying or diminishing a person's identity to solely their romantic relationship. It is important to consider the specific context and tone when using or interpreting the term 'girlfriend.'